An interview with Rufat Abbasov, a football player of the Azerbaijan U-21 national team, to Sportal.az
- Although you lost 0:5 to Portugal, you performed well in the first half of the away match. Did the game you showed motivate you, or did the big defeat create distrust?
- We knew that it would be a difficult game against Portugal. We prepared well. We fought well in the first half, we were able to play closed. We also played well in the second half, we attacked. We conceded goals from minor mistakes. No matter how much, this also affected us. But after that game, we also prepared for the match against Bulgaria.
- The team played 1:1 in the match with Bulgaria. How would you comment on the draw in that match?
- I think we should have defeated Bulgaria. We were close to three points in this match. Because if we look at the game, we had more goal episodes than the opponent. Moreover, our goal episodes were more real. We just couldn't take advantage of the opportunity. We will work on this to take advantage of the opportunities.
- What do you think was the reason that prevented you from winning?
- Let me say the last passes. It seems that those last passes were not enough. Also, the final shots. If they had been there, we could have seen a different score.
- In any case, the draw in the match with Bulgaria will give you great motivation for the next matches?
- Of course, the result in the match with Bulgaria will give us great motivation. In the next round, we will face the Czech Republic and then Scotland. Difficult games await us. But we must be able to play against every nation. I think we will be able to do it. Because our strength allows us to do this, and we also have the potential.
- Your next games are against the Czech Republic and Scotland. In general, what can our national team hope for in the same group with Gibraltar, Czech Republic, Scotland, Bulgaria, Portugal?
- We ourselves want to collect the best points. Let's show ourselves and our team in the best way. We are not afraid of any opponent. We will try to do our best. We will also win points and points in the next matches.
- You are the only football player in the U-21 national team who plays regularly in the Premier League. This also gives you an advantage. As far as I know, even scouts watched you in the match with Portugal. Do you want to go to Europe?
- Of course, playing regularly in the Premier League gives me a lot of experience. This is also good for me. I want to build on it even more, play more and benefit our national team more. Yes, scouts watched in Portugal, and I read about it. May it be good. I still have a contract with "Shamakhi" and I belong to this team. If something like this happens, why not? Time will tell everything.
- Do you think it is realistic to get into the A national team? Elvin Jafarguliyev plays in your position...
- Of course, every football player wants to get into the A national team. But for this, it is not enough to just want it, but also to work hard. It is imperative to do your best in the games.
Idman.biz